Clinical Trials Logo

Clinical Trial Summary

We propose to test the hypothesis that bezafibrate, a pan-PPAR agonist, may be effective and safe for bipolar depression with the following specific aims: Aim #1. Proof-of-Concept Safety and Tolerability Aim: To assess the safety and tolerability of bezafibrate added to anti-manic medication for bipolar depression, especially with regard to worsening manic symptoms and suicidal ideation. We will conduct a phase IIa, 8-week, open pilot trial of bezafibrate added to FDA-approved anti-manic medication in 30 participants with bipolar depression. We will monitor changes in manic symptoms (Young Mania Rating Scale), suicidal ideation, cognitive functioning specifically in attention and verbal memory, and treatment emergent adverse events (SAFTEE). We will also monitor changes in the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score. Aim #2. Preliminary Assessment of Efficacy: To assess the antidepressant efficacy of bezafibrate added to anti-manic medication for acute bipolar I major depressive episodes. Hypothesis: The bezafibrate group will have a statistically significant decrease in the Montgomery Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) Scores over 8 weeks. The results of this proof-of concept phase IIa study will help us to plan a placebo-controlled randomized trial. In summary, we propose an 8-week, proof-of-concept open pilot trial of an adjunctive pan-PPAR agonist, bezafibrate, for 30 patients with an acute bipolar I major depressive episode. The study may have a profound impact on the development of a novel treatment consistent with the mitochondrial dysregulation hypothesis of bipolar disorder and, to the best of our knowledge, will be the first proof-of-concept trial to assess a pan-PPAR agonist for bipolar disorder.


Clinical Trial Description

n/a


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT02481245
Study type Interventional
Source Massachusetts General Hospital
Contact Alec P Shannon, B.S.
Phone 6177241858
Email apshannon@mgh.harvard.edu
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 2
Start date September 2015
Completion date June 2023

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Completed NCT05111548 - Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Training - Efficacy N/A
Completed NCT02855762 - Targeting the Microbiome to Improve Clinical Outcomes in Bipolar Disorder N/A
Recruiting NCT05915013 - Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4- Isoxazole Propionic Acid Receptor Components of the Anti-Depressant Ketamine Response Phase 1
Recruiting NCT05206747 - Ottawa Sunglasses at Night for Mania Study N/A
Completed NCT02513654 - Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Repeat Dosing Lamotrigine in Healthy Chinese Subjects Phase 1
Recruiting NCT06313918 - Exercise Therapy in Mental Disorders-study N/A
Completed NCT02304432 - Targeting a Genetic Mutation in Glycine Metabolism With D-cycloserine Early Phase 1
Recruiting NCT06197048 - Effect of Nutritional Counseling on Anthropometry and Biomarkers in Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia/Psychosis or Bipolar Affective Disorder N/A
Completed NCT03497663 - VIA Family - Family Based Early Intervention Versus Treatment as Usual N/A
Completed NCT04284813 - Families With Substance Use and Psychosis: A Pilot Study N/A
Completed NCT02212041 - Electronic Cigarettes in Smokers With Mental Illness N/A
Recruiting NCT05030272 - Comparing Two Behavioral Approaches to Quitting Smoking in Mental Health Settings N/A
Recruiting NCT04298450 - ED to EPI: Using SMS to Improve the Transition From the Emergency Department to Early Psychosis Intervention N/A
Active, not recruiting NCT03641300 - Efficacy of Convulsive Therapies for Bipolar Depression N/A
Not yet recruiting NCT04432116 - Time and Virtual Reality in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder N/A
Terminated NCT02893371 - Longitudinal Comparative Effectiveness of Bipolar Disorder Therapies
Terminated NCT02909504 - Gao NARASD Lithium Study Phase 4
Completed NCT02970721 - Use of Psychotropic Medications Among Pregnant Women With Bipolar Disorder
Recruiting NCT03088657 - Design and Methods of the Mood Disorder Cohort Research Consortium (MDCRC) Study
Completed NCT02527564 - Efficacy of Suvorexant to Treat Insomnia Related to Bipolar Disorder Phase 4